How Do I?
Need information on mailing specimens to us, getting requisitions, accessing your lab results? It’s available here. Have a question that you think should be answered on these pages, but isn’t? Please let us know by sending an e-mail to labservicesoutreach@urmc.rochester.edu.
Find Medicare coverage policies for specific laboratory tests?
Find normal reference ranges on lab tests?
Find the specimen and collection labeling policies?
Mail a specimen to the lab?
Obtain courier services?
Obtain information on turnaround time for test results?
Obtain lab results and reports for my patients?
Obtain specimen collection procedures?
Obtain the critical values list?
Obtain the home draw policy?
Order lab requisitions and supplies?
Order a STAT test and how long will it take to get results?
Request access to the Clinical Information Systems?
Request electronic lab results for my Electronic Medical Record system (EMR)?
How do I collect stool samples?
Patient instructions for fecal fat collection
Patient instructions for stool collection
Stool test & collection containers
How do I find the Medicare coverage policies for specific laboratory tests?
The currently Approved Medicare Part A Medicare Coverage Policies for Specific Clinical Laboratory Tests are available here.
How do I find normal reference ranges on lab tests?
Normal range (reference intervals) are available in our Test Index.
What are the specimen and requisition labeling policies?
The following are our specimen container and requisition requirements:
- Patient’s full first name, last name and at least one unique identifier (MR#, SS#, Account #, DOB).
- Specimen label must match requisition.
- The date and time of collection and collector’s initials must be on the specimen container or the requisition. In the absence of a requisition, the electronic order information must be noted on the specimen container.
- Inappropriately labeled samples will be discarded and a recollection will be required.
- Specimens may not be relabeled.
- Specimen source and laterality for all non-blood and tissue samples.
- Requisition should include ordering provider name & signature, location, tests & procedure name.
- Patient history and clinical information should be provided for anatomic pathology, cytology and other specimen types when necessary for interpretation of result.
- Symptoms or diagnosis code (ICD-9) for medical necessity for Medicare outpatients. The currently Approved Medicare Part A Medicare Coverage Policies for Specific Clinical Laboratory Tests are available here.
Blood bank specimens with information different from the requisition must be redrawn. Correction of discrepant information will not be allowed.
How do I mail a specimen to the lab?
General lab and microbiology samples may be shipped or mailed to:
University of Rochester Medical Center
Specimen Receiving, Room G-1605
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 608
Rochester, New York 14642
Pathology specimens, blocks and slides may be shipped or mailed to:
University of Rochester Medical Center
Surgical Pathology Receiving, Room G-5204
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 626
Rochester, New York 14642
A lab requisition must accompany the specimen. Please click to review the requisition and specimen labeling policy.
If you have questions on specimen handling or on lab requisitions to include with the specimen, please call Client Services at (585) 350-2600 option 3 or toll free (800) 747-4769.
How do I obtain courier services?
If you are in the greater Rochester area, you can receive courier services by calling URMC Lab Client Services at (585) 350-2600 or toll free (800) 747-4769. Courier services can be scheduled on an as-needed or regular basis.
How do I obtain information on turnaround time for test results?
Routine outpatient blood tests are usually available for viewing in the Clinical Information System within 12 hours of receipt of the sample by the lab. Some specialized and microbiology tests take longer. Testing schedules are available in our Test Index. See How do I order a STAT test and how long will it take to get results.
How do I obtain lab results and reports for my patients?
Lab reports can be delivered to you by US Mail, remote printer, electronic files uploaded to your Electronic Medical Records system or inter-mural mail at Strong Memorial Hospital or Highland Hospital. Several reporting schemes are available depending on if you would like PCP and ordering providers to receive copies.
We will be happy to help you determine the best solution for your practice. Just call URMC Labs Client Services at (585) 350-2600 or toll free (800) 747-4769 and ask for a Lab Services Account Manager consultation.
How do I obtain specimen collection procedures?
Specimen collection procedures are available in the Test Index and in the accompanying specimen collection guidelines for cytology, microbiology, and surgical pathology specimens.
Click here to view our Specimen labeling policies
How do I obtain the critical values list?
It is important to assist physicians in responding to certain outcomes that indicate a potentially life-threatening condition. We have therefore identified a group of laboratory test results that merit immediate notification. These test results fall under chemistry, hematology, toxicology and blood bank.
While we would hope to provide notification in all cases of life-threatening conditions, our Critical Value List is not intended to cover all clinically serious test results. We serve the needs of many acute care specialty services, so it is not always possible to identify those abnormal test results that are unexpected in the context of a patient’s clinical history.
View the Critical Values List.
How do I obtain the home draw policy?
We offer in-home phlebotomy services based on the following criteria:
- The visit is requested by a Strong Health provider or other client that utilizes Strong Clinical Laboratories as their primary lab.
- The patient is homebound. This means that he or she has a condition due to illness or injury that precludes access to routine medical services outside of his/her residence without special arrangements for transportation. This service is not offered for purposes of convenience. We ask your cooperation in determining if the patient is truly homebound when submitting these requests.
- Please see our lab locations for conveniently located URMC Labs Service locations for your patients who are not homebound.
- We receive a completed requisition that includes:
- Patient demographics
- Insurance
- Diagnosis/signs/symptoms
- Provider signature
- Frequency
- Testing is medically necessary, and supported by a coded or written diagnosis
Process for Request and Renewal of Home Draw Standing Orders:
- A Home Draw can be scheduled by calling URMC Labs Home Draw Services at (585) 350-2600 option 4, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
- 30 days prior to order expiration, a notification of expiration will be sent to the ordering physician. A second reminder will be generated 14 days prior to order notification. This notification serves as a requisition that can be used to renew the request and includes pre-printed renewal instructions.
- If the renewal has not been received by the expiration date, the standing order home draw will expire and no further home draws will be performed.
- PRN is an acceptable frequency and we encourage using PRN if you anticipate that the frequency of draw will change on a regular basis while monitoring the patient’s condition.
How do I order lab requisitions and supplies?
Custom imprinted lab requisitions with your practice facility name, provider list, phone and fax are available. Lab supplies used for the procurement of specimens sent to URMC Labs are listed on the Lab Supply Order Form. Most items can be delivered in 3-5 business days and standing orders can be set up through Client Services.
- Order requisitions and supplies by phone by calling URMC Labs Client Services at
(585) 350-2600 or (800) 747-4769.
OR
- Complete a lab supply & document order form and fax to (585) 273-3004
How do I order a STAT test and how long will it take to get results?
STAT testing is offered in circumstances when the need for lab results directly affects patient care in an urgent or emergency medical situation.
For ambulatory outpatient STATS:
Check STAT on the lab requisition and complete the instructions for results to be called or FAXed. Instruct patient to go to one of the listed lab locations.
Our goal is to provide STAT test results via phone or FAX within 4 hours of specimen collection. Result turn around time can be minimized if the patient is able to go to the lab service location located at Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642. This location is off the main lobby and the hours are Monday- Friday 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Call (585) 350-2600 to verify holiday hours.
For Skilled Nursing Home patients:
For area skilled nursing homes where URMC Labs provide routine phlebotomy services, and in circumstances when the need for STAT lab results directly affects patient care in an urgent or emergency medical situation, call (585) 350-2600 and request STAT phlebotomy nursing home service. Our goal is to provide STAT test results via phone or FAX within 4 hours from time of request.
How do I request access to the Clinical Information Systems?
Providers and support staff can receive online access to the URMC Clinical Information system by completing a Managing Partner Agreement and Systems Access and Confidentially forms. Call URMC Labs Client Services and ask a Lab Services Account Manager for assistance. Or send an email to labservicesoutreach@urmc.rochester.edu
How do I request electronic lab results for my Electronic Medical Record system (EMR)?
Call URMC Labs Client Services at (585) 350-2600 or toll free (800) 747-4769 and ask for a Lab Services Account Manager. Or send an email to labservicesoutreach@urmc.rochester.edu.
We provide electronic lab reports to private physicians and practices using HL-7 format and upload the data to our secure URMC FTP server. You can download your results from our FTP server by using automated file transfer software such as Robo-FTP®.To send you electronic lab results, we will need to know your EMR company name, EMR application and technical contact information. We will work with your technical staff to arrange for secure access to the FTP server and provide recommendations for validation testing protocols prior to turning off paper lab reports.